I read the English translation of this and expected it to be another light shoji Fangirl piece, but it's not it's a real coming of she story about a number of characters who are like able but suffer from some major flaws and find themselves digging themselves into situations with sex or relationships that they don't always intend. There is also a very strong theme of treating every person with respect (anti-bullying) and finding the strength to be ones self. This a review for Vol. 1 and 2.I don't understand why this is considered a shoujo, since it is very sexualized. There are several scenes showing a couple post-sex, although it is not smutty. Except that in one part, it does show a girl naked. Maybe it is considered shoujo because it happens in school? Because it has some funny moments? I don't know.I was recommended to read it after I asked from recommendations similar to Kimi ni Todoke. The plot is obviously similar, only much more mature. Mei is a quiet girl who is bullied by her classmates, and Kurosawa finds her 'cute'. Mei is a good character because she stands for what she believes in. And although Kurosawa is the hot, nice guy, I still do not find him that appealing. Maybe because it looks like he likes her like a pet or something? Like she needs to be constantly rescued. Sometimes is fine, but others is just too cliche.One thing that I bothers me in most shoujos is that it is always girls who are the bullies. Really? ONLY girls? And the reason is always the same: the hot guy is interested in the outcast girl, so "hey everybody! Let's be mean with her."Despite these few complaints, I liked the manga enough to read 2 volumes one after the other.
What do You think about Sukitte Iinayo 1 (2006)?
I like the concept of this manga much more than I like the finished product. The anatomy of the characters was really strange. Bodies were really long and lanky and not in a stylized way: more like a "I don't understand how proportions work" kind of way. The storytelling was choppy in parts. It was almost like some panels were missing. I often found myself confused as to was what going on. My favorite things about this story were the origin of the relationship and Mei's hair. Those alone are why this got three stars instead of fewer.
—Kwanduii
Blah...I really disliked this. It didn't grab me, it was very repetitive and lacked a good plot,interesting characters or even likeable characters. When it comes to these type of Manga's, I don't expect a master piece, but rather a 'warm fuzziness' and LOTS OF 'LOL MOMENTS',this had none of that. I found it difficult to keep up with the names, and it was particularly difficult to follow who was speaking when. Although I have only read one other Manga, this one cannot be compared. It really was not enjoyable to say the least.
—jlshylla
